BOOKER returned positive performance figures for the last quarter of 2014.
The food wholesaler said that in the 16 weeks to 2 January 2015 total sales, including those for its recently acquired Makro branches, increased by 1.4% against the same period in the previous year.
For Booker alone, like-for-like sales, not including tobacco, were up by 2.6%.
Tobacco-included were up too but by a slightly lower amount.
Chief executive Charles Wilson said: “Our plans to focus, drive and broaden remain on track. We continue to improve the choice, prices and service to catering, retailing and small business customers in the UK.”
Booker’s sales director Steve Fox added: “Our retail channels of Premier, Family Shopper and Retail Club have performed well and I would like to thank our customers for choosing Booker.”
Booker has expanded its portfolio with the addition of two energy drinks. Euro Shopper Apple and Sour Cherry flavours come in 500ml cans price-marked at 69p.
• Palmer and Harvey has renewed its contract to supply Moto service stations.
The wholesaler’s marketing director Jez Pegg said: “Our national depot infrastructure and 1,500 strong fleet was a significant factor in our being selected to continue supplying this key account.”
GroceryAid benefitted to the tune of £80,000 from the Palmer and Harvey ceilidh for Burns Night in Brighton.
The black-tie event was attended by 230 suppliers and guests.
• Londis has introduced seven new fresh produce lines to its SmartBuy range.
The lines are supplied in price-marked packs that the firm says offer high quality and good value to consumers but also provide good margins for retailers.
It’s part of a wider expansion of the company’s value range.
Londis brand director John Pattison said: “The expansion into fresh follows a great response from retailers and shoppers since the SmartBuy range was launched in the summer of 2014.
“The fresh produce lines include tomatoes, carrots, onions, mushrooms, potatoes, apples and easy-peeler citrus.
“We exceeded our 1,000 store year-end target for SmartBuy with 1,153 actively participating stores.
“It will be a £3m brand by the end of 2015 and our intent is to expand to 100 lines by the end of the year.”
